Apparatus and method to stop bleeding

ABSTRACT

A hemostatic device is provided to stop bleeding at a puncture site on the wrist of a patient, the device comprising a transparent flexible band to be wrapped at the site where the bleeding is to be stopped, a curved frame having an inner peripheral side and possessing a first curved portion in its first half and a second curved portion in its second half, a first balloon provided on the inner peripheral side in the first half of the curved frame and a second balloon provided on the inner peripheral side in the second half of the curved frame. The bleeding from a first artery is stopped by compressing the first artery at the puncture site using inflation of the first balloon and the blood flow in the first artery is increased by compression of a second artery using inflation of the second balloon.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of co-pending application

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/588,586 filed May 5, 2017, whichclaims priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/150,394 filedMay 9, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,668,744,Provisional Application No. 62/288,982, filed Jan. 29, 2016, and is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/819,383,filed Aug. 5, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,332,994, which is acontinuation-in-part ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/941,219, filed Jul. 12, 2013 nowU.S. Pat. No. 9,308,000, and claims benefit ofU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/089,281, filed Dec. 9, 2014,U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/096,857, filed Dec. 25, 2014,U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/103,063, filed Jan. 13, 2015,U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/142,195, filed Apr. 2, 2015,andU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/157,419, filed May 5, 2015,the entire content of all nine of which is incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD

Embodiments described herein concern devices and methods for obtaininghemostasis after puncturing a blood pathway, including withoutlimitation puncture of radial or ulnar artery.

BACKGROUND

Blood vessel puncture is commonly needed for performance of endovascularprocedures. Smaller caliber arteries, including radial, ulnar and pedalarteries, are easier to manage after the procedure because bleeding canbe controlled more easily with external pressure. However, occlusion ofthese arteries occurs more frequently compared to larger arteries, whichfrequently results in permanent loss of patency.

Radial artery occlusion refers to the blockage of the radial artery andis a consequence of radial artery cannulation that obliterates theradial artery lumen. Hemostatic devices, which are attached by beingwrapped around the portion of an arm where the puncture site (alsoreferred to as the access site) is located and compress the puncturesite where bleeding is to be stopped, are already known in the prior art(e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,498,477 B2, U.S. Pat. No. 8,481,803, U.S. Pat.No. 8,481,805, JP 3,031,486 U). In prior-art hemostatic devices,pressure applied to the puncture site may lead to radial arteryocclusion making it not available for access in the future.

Radial artery occlusion, after transradial access occurs in 2-10% ofpatients, and is frequently associated with obliteration of radialartery lumen, making that radial artery not suitable for future accessfor endovascular procedures, invasive monitoring, or its utility as abypass conduit. Prevention of radial artery occlusion is of paramountimportance to avoid loss of a major source of blood supply, futurerepeat access and other utilities of radial artery, after transradialaccess. Maintenance of radial artery flow during hemostatic compressionhas been shown to lower the risk of radial artery occlusion (PROPHETTrial, Pancholy S et al, Catheterization and CardiovascularInterventions 2008:72(3); 335-340). A decrease in duration ofcompression has also been shown to lower the risk of radial arteryocclusion (Pancholy S et al, Catheterization and CardiovascularInterventions 2012:79(1):78-81). Thus maintaining blood flow in theradial artery, while compressing the access site after instrumentation,is known to reduce the risk of post-instrumentation radial arteryocclusion. Patent hemostasis is therefore understood to mean achievingthe cessation of bleeding at the cannulation wound (access site) of theradial artery, while blood is allowed to flow through that artery.

In an article entitled Efficacy and Safety of Transient Ulnar ArteryCompression to Recanalize Acute Radial Artery Occlusion AfterTransradial Catheterization (Am J Cardiol 2011; 107:1698-1701) IvoBernat, MD and others discuss a method directed to open an occludedradial artery after the radial artery becomes occluded. In this study,in patients with radial artery occlusion, 3-4 hours after hemostasis ofthe radial artery, ulnar artery compression was applied to attemptrecanalization of radial artery. Bernat et. al. achieved higher successrates at reopening of the radial artery by administration of heparin andcompression of the ipsilateral ulnar artery

SUMMARY

Transradial, as well as transulnar, puncture is increasingly used forobtaining vascular access for endovascular procedures. In oneembodiment, a hemostatic device comprises two balloons wherein, aftertransradial access, the bleeding from the radial artery is stopped bycompressing the radial artery at the puncture site using inflation of afirst balloon and the radial artery flow is increased by occlusivecompression of ipsilateral ulnar artery using inflation of a secondballoon. The method maintains blood flow in the radial artery whilecompressing the access site, after removal of catheter, thereby reducingthe risk of post-instrumentation radial artery occlusion. In oneembodiment, the first balloon is located over the radial artery to covera puncture site that is generally about 2 cm. from the base of a palm,and the second balloon is located over the ulnar artery at a positionproximate to the base of the palm (Guyon's canal) thereby compressingthe ulnar artery at a location where it is most accessible forcompression.

In another embodiment, two balloons are part of a band and the band iswrapped around a limb. The center of the first balloon and the center ofthe second balloon are offset from each other in relation to the centralline of axis of the band. In yet another embodiment, the first balloonis larger than the second balloon. In another embodiment, the balloonsare rectangular in shape. In one embodiment the first balloon extendsthe entire width of the band. In one embodiment, the width of the bandis greater than 40 mm. In another embodiment, the width of the band isgreater than 45 mm. In yet another embodiment, the band has a width ofabout 55 mm.

In another embodiment, the hemostatic device comprises a flexible bandadapted to be wrapped and secured around a hand of a patient at a siteon the hand where bleeding is to be stopped, a compression member havingan inner peripheral side, which compression member is made of a materialmore rigid than the band, a first balloon provided on the innerperipheral side at a position deviated to the center portion of thecompression member in lengthwise direction of the band, and the firstballoon is connected to the band by a connector on a side of the firstballoon adjacent the center portion of the compression member, whereinthe first balloon inflates when a fluid is introduced therein; and asecond balloon provided on the inner peripheral side of the compressionmember at a position deviated to an edge of the compression member fromthe center portion of the compression member in widthwise direction ofthe band, and the second balloon is connected to the band by a connectoron a side of the second balloon adjacent to the edge of the compressionmember, wherein the second balloon inflates when a fluid is introducedtherein. In one embodiment, the compression member is a curved framewith rungs. In some embodiments, rungs may be equidistant from eachother along the length of the frame. In other embodiments, the rungs maybe staggered whereby some rungs are close to each other while the othersare spread out. In another embodiment, the frame has rungs in a centralportion and curved solid pieces at the proximal and distal end of theframe. In yet another embodiment, the compression member is a curvedplate.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the compression member iscurved toward the inner peripheral side at proximal and distal ends ofthe compression member. In one embodiment, the radius of curvature ofthe compression member at proximal end is about the same as radius ofcurvature of the compression member at distal end. In anotherembodiment, the compression member may have a contoured shape wherebythe band presses snugly the wrist and the base of the palm, and thecontoured shape facilitates compression of the ulnar artery at the baseof the palm.

In one embodiment, the curved compression member possesses a firstcurved portion in a first half of the compression member located betweena center and a first end of the compression member, a second curvedportion in a second half of the compression member located between thecenter and a second end of the curved compression member, and an axistraversing from the first end of the curved compression member, throughthe center of the compression member, to the second end of the curvedcompression member. A first balloon is provided on the inner peripheralside in the first half of the curved compression member at a positionoffset to the center of the curved compression member from the first endof the curved compression member, the first balloon having a pluralityof linear sides and is connected to the band by a connector only on afirst linear side of the first balloon, said first linear side beingadjacent the center of the curved compression member and perpendicularto the axis of the curved compression member. In another embodiment, thefirst balloon has a first surface and at least a second linear side incontact with the band, wherein the first balloon inflates when a fluidis introduced therein and upon inflation the first surface and at leastthe second linear side of the first balloon are capable of moving out ofcontact with the band. In another embodiment, a second balloon isprovided on the inner peripheral side in the second half of the curvedcompression member at a position offset to an edge of the curvedcompression member from the center of the curved compression member, thesecond balloon having a plurality of linear sides and is connected tothe band by a connector only on a first linear side of the secondballoon, said first linear side of the second balloon being adjacent theedge of the curved compression member and parallel to the axis of thecurved compression member. In another embodiment, the second balloon hasa second surface and at least a second linear side in contact with theband, wherein the second balloon inflates when the fluid is introducedtherein and upon inflation the second surface and at least the secondlinear side of the second balloon are capable of moving out of contactwith the band.

In yet another embodiment, the second balloon is provided on the innerperipheral side in the second half of the curved compression member at aposition offset to the center of the curved compression member from thesecond end of the curved compression member, the second balloon having aplurality of linear sides and is connected to the band by a connectoronly on a first linear side of the second balloon, said first linearside of the second balloon being adjacent the center of the curvedcompression member and perpendicular to the axis of the curvedcompression member.

In operation, a method of catheterization of the radial artery comprisesinserting a sheath into the radial artery of a patient at an accesssite. The desired catheterization procedure is then performed using thesheath or catheter to access the radial artery. In one embodiment, oncethe catheterization procedure is complete, an ulnar pressure is appliedto the ipsilateral ulnar artery at an ulnar pressure site while thesheath remains inserted in the radial artery. The sheath is then removedfrom the radial artery while maintaining the ulnar pressure to the ulnarartery. Once the sheath is removed, and while continuing to apply theulnar pressure, pressure is applied to the radial artery at the accesssite to obtain hemostasis at the access site. In another embodiment,once the catheterization procedure is complete, a radial pressure isapplied to the radial artery at the access site. An ulnar pressure isthen applied to the ulnar artery at the ulnar pressure site whilemaintaining the pressure on the radial artery. In yet anotherembodiment, application of pressure to the radial artery at the accesssite to obtain hemostasis at the access site is accomplished whilemaintaining the ulnar pressure to the ulnar artery.

In another embodiment, vasodilator medication such as nitroglycerine isdisposed on at least a portion of the skin-contacting surface of theballoon pressing on the puncture site to reduce spasm. Spasm may play arole in the process of interruption of the flow, which then leads tothrombosis and resultant lumen obliteration with fibrosis. Preventionand relief of spasm may help lower the probability of occlusion.

In yet another embodiment, a composition is disposed on at least aportion of the skin-contacting region of the balloon. The compositionincludes at least a hydrocolloid component and an oil component. In oneembodiment, a release-coated liner is included on the skin-contactingside of the balloon. The liner is retained in place prior to use and isremoved just prior to application to user's skin. The release-coatedliner may be any release-coated liner known in the art that iscompatible with the composition disposed on the skin-contacting side ofthe balloon.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic front view (FIG. 1A) and a schematic side view(FIG. 1B) of an embodiment of the hemostatic device 100 comprising atleast two balloons 101 and 103, and a compression member that is acurved frame with rungs 104 and that is placed in a sleeve 118 formed bya covering 110 attached to a strap 108.

FIG. 2 is a schematic three-dimensional view (FIG. 2A), a schematic topview (FIG. 2B) and a schematic front view (FIG. 2C) of an embodiment ofthe compression member 200 that is a curved frame with rungs, andcomprising rungs 221 located between two curved beams 223 and 225.

FIG. 3 is a schematic front view (FIG. 3A) and a schematic side view(FIG. 3B) of an embodiment of the hemostatic device 300 comprising atleast two balloons 301 and 303, and a compression member that is acurved plate 304 and that is placed in a sleeve 318 formed by a covering310 attached to a strap 308.

FIG. 4 is a schematic three-dimensional view (FIG. 4A), a schematic topview (FIG. 4B) and a schematic front view (FIG. 4C) of an embodiment ofthe compression member 400 that is a curved plate.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of hemostatic device 500 with two balloons501 and 503. FIG. 5A is a schematic top view that shows a side of thedevice that serves as the inside surface when the device is attached tothe wrist of a patient. FIG. 5B is a schematic front view of the device.

FIG. 6 is schematic sectional view showing hemostatic device of FIG. 1in use. FIG. 6A shows a schematic sectional front view of an embodimentof the hemostatic device applied on a forearm of a patient. The twoballoons 601, 603 are located between the forearm of the patient and thestrap 608 that goes around the forearm of the patient. FIG. 6B is aschematic sectional side view of a part of the embodiment of thehemostatic device showing balloon 603 pressing on the ulnar artery 607.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the hemostatic deviceshowing placement of balloon 701 over radial artery 705 and balloon 703over ulnar artery 707.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the hemostatic devicewrapped around the wrist of a patient wherein FIG. 8A is an anteriorview and FIG. 8B is a posterior view.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a balloon 900 wherein a surface of theballoon to be in contact with skin is disposed with a composition 905and a liner 907.

FIG. 10 is a schematic front view (FIG. 10A) and a schematic side view(FIG. 10B) of an embodiment of the hemostatic device comprising at leasttwo balloons 151 and 153, and a compression member that is a curvedframe with rungs 154 in a central portion of the frame and curved solidpieces 155 at the proximal and distal end of the frame, the frame beingplaced in a sleeve 168 formed by a covering 160 attached to a strap 158.

FIG. 11 is a schematic three-dimensional view (FIG. 11A), a schematictop view (FIG. 11B) and a schematic front view (FIG. 11C) of anembodiment of the compression member that is a curved frame with rungs,and comprising rungs 261 located between two curved beams 263 and 265,and curved solid pieces 264 at the proximal and distal end of the frame.

FIG. 12 is a schematic front view (FIG. 12A) and a schematic side view(FIG. 12B) of an embodiment of the hemostatic device comprising at leasttwo balloons 351 and 353, and a compression member that is a curvedframe with rungs 354 in a central portion of the frame and curved solidpieces 355 at the proximal and distal end of the frame, the frame beingplaced in a sleeve 368 formed by a covering 360 attached to a strap 358.

FIG. 13 is a schematic front view (FIG. 13A) and a schematic side view(FIG. 13B) of an embodiment of the hemostatic device comprising at leastone balloon 451, and a compression member that is a curved frame withrungs 454 in a central portion of the frame and curved solid pieces 455at the proximal and distal end of the frame, the frame being placed in asleeve 468 formed by a covering 460 attached to a strap 458.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments described herein provide the user a safe, simple andreliable device and method to apply pressure at the access site ofartery, e.g., radial artery to obtain hemostasis and also to applypressure to another artery, e.g., ulnar artery using the same device.

In one embodiment of the invention (see FIG. 1), hemostatic device 100is a flexible band comprising a flexible strap 108 adapted to be wrappedand secured by binders 112 and 114 around the wrist of a patient at apuncture site on the hand where bleeding is to be stopped, a curvedframe 104, a first balloon 101, and a second balloon 103. The curvedframe 104 has an inner peripheral side and is made of a material suchthat the frame is more rigid than the flexible strap 108. In oneembodiment, the frame is made of hard plastic and substantially fixed inshape. In another embodiment, the frame is made of material (e.g.plastic) that is bendable so that the frame does not maintain asubstantially fixed shape and flexes with the balloons as the balloonsexpand and contract with pressure. In another embodiment, the spacingbetween the rungs in the frame is increased to make the frame moreflexible. In yet another embodiment, the spacing between the rungs inthe frame is decreased to make the frame less flexible. At least aportion of the frame is curved toward the inner peripheral side. Thefirst balloon 101 is provided on the inner peripheral side at a positiondeviated to the center portion of the curved frame from the first end ofthe curved frame in lengthwise direction of the band, i.e., the firstballoon 101 is provided on the inner peripheral side in a first half ofthe curved frame at a position offset to the center of the curved framefrom the first end of the curved frame, and the first balloon isconnected to the strap 108 by a connector 102 on a side of the firstballoon adjacent the center portion of the curved frame. The firstballoon inflates when a fluid is introduced therein. The second balloon103 is provided on the inner peripheral side of the curved frame at aposition deviated to an edge of the curved frame from the center portionof the curved frame in widthwise direction of the band, i.e., the secondballoon 103 is provided on the inner peripheral side in a second half ofthe curved frame at a position offset to an edge of the curved framefrom the center of the curved frame, and the second balloon is connectedto the strap 108 by a connector (not shown) on a side of the secondballoon adjacent the edge of the curved frame. The second balloon 103inflates when the fluid is introduced therein. In one embodiment, theband 100 is adapted to be wrapped around the wrist with a surfacefastener, e.g., Hook and Loop 112 and 114 for securing the band aroundthe wrist. In some embodiments, pledgets (not shown) are provided forpatient comfort. In one embodiment, the pledgets are made of foam.

In one embodiment, band may have a first sleeve for holding the frame104. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the first sleeve is a doublelayer construction formed by connecting a piece of film 110 to strap 108of the band at a center portion of the band. The connection may be doneby a suitable method such as welding (e.g., heat welding, high-frequencywelding, ultrasonic welding) or adhesion/gluing (such as with anadhesive or solvent) so as to form a double layer construction. Theframe 104 is inserted into a gap 118 in the double layer and therebyheld. In one embodiment, in addition to the center portion of the band,at least one side end portion of the band has a sleeve. As shown in FIG.1, band may have a second sleeve 116 at a side end portion of the band.The second sleeve is a double layer construction formed by connecting apiece of film 106 to strap 108 of the band. The connection may be doneby a suitable method similar to that used for constructing the firstsleeve.

The material of construction of the films or sheets used to fabricatethe strap, the balloons and the sleeves of the band 100 is preferablysubstantially transparent whereby patient's arm can be seen through theband. Examples of the material of construction include polyvinylchloride, polyolefins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutadieneand ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers (EVA), polyesters such aspolyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT),polyvinylidene chloride, silicones, polyurethanes various thermoplasticelastomers such as polyamide elastomers, polyurethane elastomers andpolyester elastomers, and any combinations of the above in the form of,for example, resin blends, polymer alloys or laminates. The sheet makingup the band may be of any suitable thickness. In one embodiment, thethickness of the sheet material is in the range of about 0.1 to about0.5 mm, and in some embodiments about 0.2 to about 0.3 mm. The band canbe secured using hook and loop type fasteners or other suitablefasteners such as buttons, clips and buckles.

The frame 200 (see FIG. 2) is curved at both proximal and distal ends,the curvature being toward an inner peripheral side. In one embodiment,the radius of curvature R₁ at the proximal end is substantially the sameas the radius of curvature R₂ at the distal end. In another embodimentR₁=R₂. In another embodiment, the frame is symmetrical about its center.In one embodiment, the frame is constructed of a material more rigidthan the band, but maintains some flexibility whereby the frame conformsto the contour of the wrist and flexes with the expansion andcontraction of balloons. In another embodiment, the frame maintains asubstantially fixed shape.

In one embodiment, the frame 200 in FIG. 2 may be constructed out ofmaterial that is substantially transparent. In another embodiment, thematerial of construction of the frame may not be transparent. Examplesof materials of construction of the frame include acrylic resins,polyvinyl chloride (rigid polyvinyl chloride and flexible polyvinylchloride), polyolefins such as polyethylene, polypropylene andpolybutadiene, polystyrene, poly(4-methyl-1-pentene), polycarbonates,ABS resins, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyacetals, polyarylates,polyacrylonitriles, polyvinylidene fluorides, ionomers,acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymers, polyesters such aspolyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT),butadiene-styrene copolymers, aromatic and aliphatic polyamides, andfluorocarbon resins such as polytetrafluoroethylene. The frame may alsobe made of a metal or metal alloy.

The curved frame compression member 200 has gaps between the rungs 221that provide visibility of the puncture site. The rungs are held betweentwo beams 223 and 225. The rungs and beams can have various shapes,e.g., circular, square, rectangular and elliptical. In one embodiment,the frame is entirely curved. In another embodiment, the frame isstraight in the center and curved at its ends. In one embodiment, rungs221 are circular and each rung has a diameter of about 2 mm. In anotherembodiment, beams 223, 225 are also circular with diameter of about 3mm. In yet another embodiment, the gap 204 between the rungs is about 2mm. In one embodiment, the width of the frame is about 4 mm less thanthe width of the strap 108 of the band 100 in FIG. 1. In yet anotherembodiment, the gap 204 between the rungs in the center portion of theframe is greater than the gap 204 between the rungs near the proximaland distal ends of the frame. In another embodiment, the curved framecompression member has rungs in the center portion of the frame andsolid curved pieces at the proximal and distal ends of the compressionmember. In one embodiment, the thickness of solid piece is about 2 mm.The width of the solid pieces may be about 4 mm less than the width ofthe strap of the band, thereby keeping on either side of the curvedframe a gap of about 2 mm between the edge of the curved frame and theedge of the strap of the band.

In another embodiment of the invention (See FIG. 3), hemostatic devicecomprises a flexible band 300. The band has a flexible strap 308 havingan inner peripheral side and adapted to be wrapped and secured usingbinders 312 and 314 around a limb of a patient at a site on the limbwhere bleeding is to be stopped, a plate 304 made of a material morerigid than the band and at least a portion of the plate is curved towardits inner peripheral side at proximal and distal ends of the plate. Inone embodiment, the plate 304 is of substantially fixed shape. Inanother embodiment, the plate 304 is flexible and does not maintain asubstantially fixed shape. The material of construction of plate 304 issame as material of construction of frame 200 discussed before. In oneembodiment, the plate 304 is placed in a sleeve 318 formed by a covering310 attached to the strap 308 on the outer peripheral side of the strapat a center portion of the band. In another embodiment, both thecovering 310 and the strap 308 are made of flexible plastic and aretransparent. The covering 310 can be attached to strap 308 using knowntechniques, for example ultrasonic welding. In one embodiment, inaddition to the center portion of the band, at least one side endportion of the band has a sleeve 316. The sleeve at a side end portionof the band may also be a double layer construction formed by connectinga piece of film 306 to strap 308 on the outer peripheral side of thestrap 308. The connection may be done by a suitable method similar tothat used for constructing the sleeve at center portion of the band. Theplastic sheet material used to make the strap of the band could also beused to make the sleeves.

The first balloon 301 is provided on the inner peripheral side at aposition deviated to the center portion of the curved plate from thefirst end of the curved plate in lengthwise direction of the band, andthe first balloon is connected to the strap 308 by a connector 302 on aside of the first balloon adjacent the center portion of the curvedplate. The first balloon inflates when a fluid is introduced therein.The second balloon 303 is provided on the inner peripheral side of thecurved plate at a position deviated to an edge of the curved plate fromthe center portion of the curved plate in widthwise direction of theband, and the second balloon is connected to the strap 308 by aconnector (not shown) on a side of the second balloon adjacent the edgeof the curved plate. The second balloon 303 inflates when the fluid isintroduced therein. In one embodiment, the band 300 is adapted to bewrapped around the wrist with a surface fastener, e.g., Hook and Loop312 and 314 for securing the band around the wrist.

The plate 400 (see FIG. 4) is curved at both proximal and distal ends,the curvature being toward an inner peripheral side. In one embodiment,the radius of curvature R₁ at the proximal end is about the same as theradius of curvature R₂ at the distal end. In another embodiment, theplate 404 is symmetrical about its center. In one embodiment, the plateis constructed of a material more rigid than the band, but maintainssome flexibility whereby the plate conforms to the contour of the wristand flexes with the expansion and contraction of balloons. In anotherembodiment, the plate maintains a substantially fixed shape. The plate400 may be constructed using same materials as used to construct frame200 in FIG. 2. In one embodiment, the thickness of plate is about 2 mm.The width of the plate may be about 4 mm less than the width of thestrap of the band, thereby keeping on either side of the plate a gap ofabout 2 mm between the edge of the plate and the edge of the strap ofthe band.

In another embodiment of the invention (See FIG. 5), hemostatic device500 comprises a flexible band. The band has a flexible strap 508 havingan inner peripheral side and adapted to be wrapped and secured usingbinders 512 and 514 around a limb of a patient at a site on the limbwhere bleeding is to be stopped. The band has a center portion and twoside portions on either side of the center portion. In one embodiment,the center portion has a first sleeve 518 formed by a covering 510attached to strap 508. A compression member (not shown) is placed in thefirst sleeve 518. In one embodiment, the compression member is a curvedframe (see FIG. 2). In another embodiment, the compression member is acurved plate (see FIG. 4). In one embodiment, both the covering 510 andthe strap 508 are made of flexible plastic and are transparent. Thecovering 510 can be attached to strap 508 using known techniques, forexample ultrasonic welding. A first balloon 501 is provided on the innerperipheral side at a position deviated to the center portion of thefirst sleeve 518 from the proximal end of the first sleeve in lengthwisedirection of the band, and the first balloon is connected to the strap508 of the band by a connector 502 on a side of the first balloonadjacent the center portion of the first sleeve 518. In one embodiment,the width of the first balloon is about the same as the width of thestrap 508 of the band, and the length of the first balloon is about halfthe length of the first sleeve 518. The first balloon 501 inflates whena fluid is introduced therein. The second balloon 503 is provided on theinner peripheral side of the first sleeve 518 at a position deviated toan edge of the first sleeve from the center portion of the first sleevein widthwise direction of the band, and the second balloon is connectedto the strap 508 of the band by a connector 504 on a side of the secondballoon adjacent an edge of the first sleeve 518. The width of thesecond balloon 503 is about half the width of the strap 508 of the bandand the length of the second balloon is about half the length of thefirst sleeve 518. In another embodiment, the width of the second balloonis about 70% of the width of the band. In yet another embodiment, thewidth of the second balloon is about 60% of the width of the band. In afurther embodiment, the width of the second balloon is about 50% of thewidth of the band. In another embodiment, the width of the secondballoon is about the same as the width of the strap 508 of the band. Thesecond balloon 503 inflates when the fluid is introduced therein.

The compression member possesses a first curved portion in a first halfof the compression member located between a center and a first end ofthe compression member, a second curved portion in a second half of thecompression member located between the center and a second end of thecompression member, and an axis traversing from the first end of thecompression member, through the center of the compression member, to thesecond end of the compression member. A first balloon 501 is provided onthe inner peripheral side in the first half of the compression member ata position offset to the center of the compression member from the firstend of the compression member, the first balloon having a plurality oflinear sides and is connected to the band by a connector 502 only on afirst linear side of the first balloon, said first linear side beingadjacent the center of the compression member and perpendicular to theaxis of the compression member. In one embodiment, the first balloon hasa first surface and at least a second linear side in contact with theband, wherein the first balloon inflates when a fluid is introducedtherein and upon inflation the first surface and at least the secondlinear side of the first balloon are capable of moving out of contactwith the band. A second balloon 503 is provided on the inner peripheralside in the second half of the compression member at a position offsetto an edge of the compression member from the center of the compressionmember, the second balloon having a plurality of linear sides and isconnected to the band by a connector 504 only on a first linear side ofthe second balloon, said first linear side of the second balloon beingadjacent the edge of the compression member and parallel to the axis ofthe compression member. In another embodiment, the second balloon has asecond surface and at least a second linear side in contact with theband, wherein the second balloon inflates when the fluid is introducedtherein and upon inflation the second surface and at least the secondlinear side of the second balloon are capable of moving out of contactwith the band.

In yet another embodiment, the second balloon is provided on the innerperipheral side in the second half of the curved compression member at aposition offset to the center of the curved compression member from thesecond end of the curved compression member, the second balloon having aplurality of linear sides and is connected to the band by a connectoronly on a first linear side of the second balloon, said first linearside of the second balloon being adjacent the center of the curvedcompression member and perpendicular to the axis of the curvedcompression member.

The material of construction of the balloons is preferably transparentand may be the same as used to make the band. In one embodiment, thematerial of construction of the balloon could be sheets of thicknesssimilar to that used to make the strap of the band. In anotherembodiment, the sheets used to make balloons could be thinner than thesheets used to make the strap of the band. In one embodiment, the strapis made of polyvinyl chloride film of thickness 20 mils (0.508 mm) and aballoon is made of polyvinyl chloride film of thickness 10 mils (0.254mm). The balloons could have any shape such as square, rectangular,circular and elliptical. The balloons can be made by sealing sheet cutto appropriate shape and sealed at the edge using sealing technique suchas adhesion or welding. The balloons are connected to the band byflexible connectors 502 and 504 that could be made of same material asthe balloon and the band. In one embodiment, the band and thecompression member are substantially transparent. In another embodiment,the balloon 503 is made of translucent or opaque material and theballoon 501 is made of substantially transparent material.

As shown in FIG. 5, the first balloon 501 has connected thereto a tube521 for introducing a fluid into the first balloon, and the secondballoon 503 has connected thereto a tube 525 for introducing a fluidinto the second balloon. In one embodiment, the tubes are transparentand flexible. Tube 521 is connected at a proximal end thereof to thefirst balloon 501 at 522. Tube 525 is connected at a proximal endthereof to the second balloon 503 at 526. Tube 521 may include anadapter 523 that is connected to the distal side of the tube, and tube525 may include an adapter 527 that is connected to the distal side ofthe tube. In one embodiment, adapter 523 is identifiably different fromadapter 527 so that a user knows to select the appropriate adapter thatconnects to the balloon user wants to inflate. The identifiabledifferentiation of the adapters may be through visual distinctioncomprising color, shape, texture or combination thereof. Inflation ofthe balloon is carried out by inserting the protruding tip of a syringe(not shown) into the adapter and pushing a plunger on the syringe so asto introduce fluid within the syringe through the inflator into theballoon. Once fluid has been injected into the balloon and theprotruding tip of the syringe is withdrawn from the adapter, a checkvalve within the adapter closes, preventing the fluid from leaking outand thus maintaining the balloon in an inflated state. In anotherembodiment, a two-way or three-way valve is used to direct the flow offluid into and out of the balloon, and to prevent the fluid from leakingout and thus maintaining the balloon in an inflated state.

In one embodiment, in addition to the center portion of the band, atleast one side end portion of the band has a sleeve. As shown in FIG. 5,the band may have a second sleeve 516 at one side end portion of theband. The second sleeve is a double layer construction formed byconnecting a piece of film 506 to strap 508 of the band. The connectionmay be done by a suitable method similar to that used for constructingthe first sleeve. The second sleeve 516 may be used to hold tubes 521,525 and adapters 523, 527 when the band is wrapped around the wrist of apatient (See FIG. 8). In one embodiment, the width of the second sleeve516 is less than the width of the band. In another embodiment, the widthof the second sleeve 516 is about the same as the width of the band.

The technique of providing a compression member on the band is notlimited to the illustrated arrangement, and may involve joining thecompression member(s) to the inside surface or outside surface of theband by a suitable method such as welding or adhesion. It is notnecessary that the band encircle the limb, e.g., wrist completely. Forexample, another arrangement may be the band is held in place by tiedown that holds the band firmly on the wrist. In another embodiment, theband does not have any compression member to enhance rigidity.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing a band in a wrapped state to thewrist 611. The band is attached to the wrist by connecting togethersurface fasteners (e.g. hook and loop fasteners) 612 and 614. Othermeans for securing the band in a wrapped state around the wrist includebuttons, clips, snaps, zippers, and buckles through which the ends ofthe band pass. A frame 604 is placed in a sleeve formed by a covering610 attached to the strap 608 on the outer peripheral side of the strapat a center portion of the band. One side of balloon 601 is connected tothe strap 608 of the band by connector 602 at a position deviated to thecenter portion of the curved frame 604 from the end of the curved framein lengthwise direction of the band. As a result, the balloon assumes anorientation whereby the pressing force F1 applied to the puncture siteon the radial artery 605 acts generally in an outward direction awayfrom the center portion of the wrist (See FIG. 6A). Consequently, forceF1 does not have an impact at the location of the ulnar artery 607. Onthe other hand, if the balloon 601 was connected to the band at aposition deviated to the end of the curved frame, the balloon wouldassume an orientation whereby the pressing force would be in an obliquedirection towards the center portion of the wrist whereby a component ofthe force F1 would affect the ulnar artery 607.

The ulnar artery 607 is compressed by balloon 603, which is provided onthe inner peripheral side of the curved frame 604 at a position deviatedto an edge of the curved frame from the center portion of the curvedframe in widthwise direction of the band, and balloon 603 is connectedto the band by a connector 606 on a side of balloon 603 adjacent to anedge of the curved frame 604 (see FIG. 6B). In the present embodimentwhere one side of balloon 603 is connected by a connector at an edge ofthe band and the width of the balloon 603 is shorter than the width ofthe strap 608, balloon 603 assumes an orientation whereby component ofthe force F2 in the cross-sectional plane of the wrist is generallyvertical (see FIG. 6A). The force F2 may have a component in a directiontowards the elbow, but a negligible component in a direction towards theradial artery. Therefore, operation of balloon 603 to pressurize ordepressurize the ulnar artery will not generally affect operation ofballoon 601 to pressurize or depressurize the radial artery, and viceversa.

FIG. 7 is a schematic of a band 708 wrapped around a wrist wherebyballoon 701 compresses the radial artery 705 and balloon 703 compressesthe ulnar artery 707. In the embodiment in FIG. 7, the balloon 703 islocated at or near the base of the palm (Guyon's canal) 704 therebycompressing the ulnar artery 707 at a location where it is mostaccessible for compression and the balloon 701 is located over thepuncture site, which is generally about 2 cm. from the base of a palm.The pressure applied to the radial artery and the ulnar artery could besimultaneously and independently manipulated to optimize the pressure atwhich the bleeding from the radial artery stops while at the same time ahigh enough pressure is applied to the ulnar artery to prevent orminimize occlusion of the radial artery. In one embodiment, mark ormarks (not shown) may be placed on the radial balloon 701 to help a uservisually place a central portion of the radial balloon 701 on the radialartery 705 at or near the puncture site of the artery. Mark or marks mayalso be placed on the compression member and the sleeve holding thecompression member to help a user in the placement of the radial balloon701 on the puncture site. Mark may be a dot, a line, a square, atriangle or any other shape that helps in the placement.

FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration showing an anterior view (FIG. 8A)and a posterior view (FIG. 8B) of an embodiment of a band 808 wrappedaround the wrist of a patient. One side of radial balloon 801 isconnected to the band by connector 832 such that the connector 832 ispositioned towards the center portion of the wrist. The radial balloon801 is inflated or deflated by passing fluid (a gas such as air or aliquid such as saline) through tube 821 using a syringe (not shown) thatis connected to adapter 823. The ulnar balloon 803 is inflated ordeflated by passing fluid (a gas such as air or a liquid such as saline)through tube 825 using a syringe (not shown) that is connected toadapter 827. A balloon will inflate when a fluid is introduced therein,thereby applying pressure to the skin of the patient where the balloonis located. In one embodiment, the fluid is introduced using a syringe.The syringe may have markers to determine the amount of fluid that willbe inserted into a balloon. The syringe may also have an outlet that canbe connected to a pressure measuring device such as a manometer. Inanother embodiment, the balloons may have an outlet that can beconnected to a pressure measuring device. The pressure measurement helpsthe user to inflate the balloon to a pressure that is not significantlyhigher than the systolic pressure of the patient, thereby allowingrobust hemostasis but preventing grossly excessive compression byinordinate pressure, thereby lowering the probability of lumencompression to the point of occlusion, and flow cessation.

The edge of the band is positioned close to the base of the palm 834.The band 808 may have a sleeve 806 at a side end portion of the band.The sleeve is a double layer construction and tubes 821, 825 andadapters 823 and 827 may be inserted in the sleeve 806 so that the tubesdo not dangle when a patient moves his/her hand.

FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of balloon 900 where the surface of theballoon 901 in contact with skin is coated with a composition 905. Inone embodiment, composition 905 may comprise a hydrocolloid adhesive orzinc oxide-based adhesive that can be advantageously used upon thesurface of the balloon when pressing the balloon on the skin of thepatient. The hydrocolloid or zinc oxide-based adhesive can be usedeither alone or in combination with another medical grade adhesive.Hydrocolloid and zinc oxide-based adhesives have less of a tendency toexcoriate the skin of a patient when removed. This can be particularlyimportant for patients whose skin is more sensitive or fragile. In oneembodiment, the coated composition 905 has a peel-off laminate (liner)907 that is removed before placing the balloon on the puncture site. Inanother embodiment, the composition also contains antimicrobials. In oneembodiment, the composition contains oil. Such compositions are known inthe art and commercially available. See, e.g., compositions andlaminates sold by Vancive Medical Technologies, Avery Dennison business.In some embodiments, connector 902 may be provided to connect theballoon to the band. In another embodiment, vasodilator medication ispresent on the surface of a balloon pressing on the puncture site toreduce spasm. Spasm is thought to play a role in the process ofinterruption of the flow that then leads to thrombosis and resultantlumen obliteration with fibrosis. Prevention and relief of spasm mayhelp lower the probability of occlusion. An example of such vasodilatormedication is nitroglycerine. In one embodiment, the surface of balloonin contact with the puncture site is disposed with nitroglycerine.

An embodiment of the hemostatic device depicted in FIG. 10 is similar tothat depicted in FIG. 1, except that the hemostatic device in FIG. 10uses an embodiment of the frame depicted in FIG. 11. The embodiment offrame depicted in FIG. 11 comprises a plurality of rungs 261 in thecenter portion of the frame and curved solid pieces 264 at the proximaland distal ends of the frame. The balloon 151 is connected to the strap158 by a connector 152 on a side of the balloon 151 adjacent the centerportion of the curved frame. As shown in FIG. 10, in one embodiment, theband may have a second sleeve 166 at a side end portion of the band. Thesecond sleeve is a double layer construction formed by connecting apiece of film 156 to strap 158 of the band. In another embodiment, theband may not have a second sleeve. Two fasteners 162 and 164 holds theband around a wrist of a patient.

In another embodiment of the hemostatic device (see FIG. 12), a fastener362 is located on the covering 360 attached to a strap 358. The covering360 forms a sleeve 368 to hold the frame. A fastener 364 is located onthe strap 358 and connecting the two fasteners 362 and 364 holds theband around a wrist of a patient. In yet another embodiment, thecovering 360 may be a continuous portion of the strap 358 turned to looparound the frame, thereby forming a sleeve to hold the frame. Theballoon 351 is connected to the strap 358 by a connector 352 on a sideof the balloon 351 adjacent the center portion of the curved frame. Asshown in FIG. 12, in one embodiment, the band may have a second sleeve366 at a side end portion of the band. The second sleeve is a doublelayer construction formed by connecting a piece of film 356 to strap 358of the band. In another embodiment, the band may not have a secondsleeve. An embodiment of the hemostatic device depicted in FIG. 13 issimilar to that depicted in FIG. 12, except that the embodiment in FIG.13 has a single balloon 451 to press on the radial artery.

An embodiment of the band of the present invention is used in a methoddirected at minimizing occurrences of radial artery occlusion during thecatheterization procedure of the radial artery. In one embodiment, oncethe catheterization procedure is complete, an ulnar pressure is appliedto the ipsilateral ulnar artery at an ulnar pressure site while asheath, e.g., a catheter, remains inserted in the radial artery. Thesheath is then removed from the radial artery while maintaining thepressure to the ulnar artery. Once the sheath is removed, and whilecontinuing to apply the ulnar pressure, pressure is applied to theradial artery at the access site to obtain hemostasis at the accesssite. In another embodiment, once the catheterization procedure iscomplete, a radial pressure is applied to the radial artery at theaccess site. The radial pressure may be applied while a sheath, e.g., acatheter, remains inserted in the radial artery or after the sheath isremoved from the radial artery. An ulnar pressure is then applied to theipsilateral ulnar artery at an ulnar pressure site. In one embodiment,the ulnar pressure is continuously and simultaneously applied with theradial pressure to obtain hemostasis of the radial artery. In anotherembodiment, ulnar pressure is gradually reduced to zero before obtaininghemostasis. In yet another embodiment, the pressures applied to theradial artery and the ulnar artery are simultaneously and independentlymanipulated to optimize the pressure at which the bleeding from theradial artery stops while at the same time a high enough pressure isapplied to the ulnar artery to prevent or minimize occlusion of theradial artery.

The radial pressure is applied by inflating a radial balloon, e.g.,balloon 601 in FIG. 6. The radial balloon is positioned over the accesssite of the radial artery 605. Upon inflation of the radial balloon, theradial balloon assumes an orientation whereby the pressing force appliedto the puncture site on the radial artery 605 acts generally in anoutward direction away from the center portion of the wrist. Thepressing force applied to the puncture site on the radial artery 605 isdirectionally away from the ulnar artery. Upon inflation of the ulnarballoon, the pressing force on the ulnar artery may have a component ina direction towards the elbow, but a negligible component in a directiontowards the radial artery. The pressing force applied on the ulnarartery is directionally away from the radial artery. Therefore,operation of the ulnar balloon 603 to pressurize or depressurize theulnar artery 607 will not generally affect operation of balloon 601 topressurize or depressurize the radial artery 605, and vice versa.

The radial artery and the ulnar artery are the two conduits for the flowof oxygenated blood to the hand. The arteries are interconnected andtherefore form an interdependent flow network. When flow is reduced inone of the arteries, by compression for example, flow increases in theother artery. When the ulnar artery is compressed, flow in the ulnarartery is reduced, which causes an increase in pressure and flow in theradial artery.

In an embodiment, a further step includes confirming that theapplication of ulnar pressure has reduced blood flow through the ulnarartery. This is done by monitoring flow of the ulnar artery prior to andafter applying the ulnar pressure. In a further embodiment, monitoringflow of the ulnar artery includes sensing skin blood flow and/orpulsation at a fingertip or other location downstream of the ulnarpressure site. Digital plethysmography is employed in one embodiment.

In another embodiment, the method further includes confirming patency ofthe radial artery during the step of applying a pressure to the radialartery. Confirmation of patency is accomplished by sensing skin bloodflow and/or pulsation at a fingertip or other location downstream of theaccess site. Other sensing locations both upstream and downstream may beused to confirm patency of the radial artery. In one embodiment, thesensing is performed while the ulnar artery is fully compressed(allowing no flow through the ulnar artery) and/or partially compressed(allowing less flow than when not compressed at all). Patency isconfirmed, in an embodiment, by obtaining a metric relating to thesensing and comparing the metric with a standard metric for the patient,or with a previously-sensed metric. Metric is understood to mean asensible, quantifiable value or reading, relating to the characteristicsensed. Digital plethysmography may be employed to obtain the metrics.Other sensing modes may be employed, so long as the selected mode iscapable of confirming patency in one form or another.

Example 1

A band was fabricated from a substantially transparent polyvinylchloride sheet material having a thickness of 0.5 mm. The band had alength of 240 mm and a width of 55 mm. A radial artery balloon and anulnar artery balloon were each fabricated from a substantiallytransparent polyvinyl chloride sheet material having a thickness of 0.25mm. The radial artery balloon had the dimension of 38 mm×55 mm and theulnar artery balloon had the dimension of 38 mm×38 mm. The radial arteryballoon, ulnar artery balloon and band were welded together at thenecessary places to form a hemostatic device having the constructionaccording to FIG. 5. Two adapters with check valves were connected tothe two balloons via ducts as shown in FIG. 5. A curved frame was madeof 2 mm diameter rungs, with spacing between the rungs of 2 mm (centerto center distance between the rungs was 4 mm). The rungs were heldbetween two parallel beams of diameter 3 mm. The frame was curved atboth ends, and had identical radius of curvature at both ends. Theradius of curvature at each end was 20 mm. The frame had a centerportion that was straight and had a length of 28 mm. The width of theframe was 52 mm. The frame was constructed according to FIG. 2. Hook andloop (Velcro) fasteners were used to fasten. This hemostatic device waswrapped around the wrist of normal volunteers and the two balloons wereinflated by injecting air into the balloons using a 20 mL syringe with aluer lock. It was observed that inflation of the radial balloon did notinfluence perfusion of the fingers via the ulnar artery. A 20 mLinflation of the radial artery balloon lead to complete obliteration ofantegrade radial flow, although there was no influence on perfusionthrough the ulnar artery. On the ulnar side, with a shorter width (38mm) balloon, full 15 mL inflation of ulnar balloon did not influence thestatus of flow in the radial artery.

Any constricting girdle-like device would be expected, even at a lowerpressure to first constrict the veins and cause venous congestion in thefingers. It was surprising to observe a complete lack of venouscongestion, and no symptoms of venous congestion were reported by any ofthe volunteers. On several occasions, 2 hour application of the band wasperformed as would be performed clinically for hemostasis. Venouscongestion did not occur. Symptoms related to pressure at the ulnartuberosity were also not reported by the volunteers. This is likelybecause of (i) focal pressure application by the orientation of theballoons, leaving probably enough soft tissue space (in the centralcompartment of the forearm where most large veins are located) for thevenous return to occur, and (ii) a decrease in magnitude of requiredpressure because of the design features such as orientation and sizes ofthe two balloons, their location in the band, and the shape andstructure of the frame.

Comparative Example 2

A band similar to that used in EXAMPLE 1 was fabricated, the onlydifference being, in COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 2, the width of the ulnarballoon was nearly the same as the width of the band. In EXAMPLE 1, theulnar balloon had a width of 38 mm, which is about 70% of the width ofthe band. With the larger ulnar balloon of COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 2,inflation of the ulnar balloon was noted to influence the perfusion ofradial artery. This was particularly pronounced in small forearms wherethe larger ulnar balloon may assume an orientation such that the forceapplied to the wrist when the ulnar balloon is inflated impacts theradial artery.

Tests have shown that the location of the ulnar balloon on the forearmaspect of the band increased the efficacy of the balloon to compress andocclude ulnar artery. Moving the balloon towards the hand and especiallygluing it to the palmar aspect of the band increased the efficacy of theulnar balloon to focally compress and occlude ulnar artery without anyother effects or symptoms.

An embodiment of the band of the present invention may also be used in amethod directed at minimizing occurrences of ulnar artery occlusionduring the catheterization procedure of the ulnar artery. In oneembodiment, once the catheterization procedure is complete, a radialpressure is applied to the radial artery at a radial pressure site whilea sheath, e.g., a catheter, remains inserted in the ulnar artery. Thesheath is then removed from the ulnar artery while maintaining thepressure to the radial artery. Once the sheath is removed, and whilecontinuing to apply the radial pressure, pressure is applied to theulnar artery at the access site to obtain hemostasis at the access site.In another embodiment, once the catheterization procedure is complete,an ulnar pressure is applied to the ulnar artery at the access site. Theulnar pressure may be applied while a sheath, e.g., a catheter, remainsinserted in the ulnar artery or after the sheath is removed from theulnar artery. A radial pressure is then applied to the radial at aradial pressure site. In one embodiment, the radial pressure iscontinuously and simultaneously applied with the ulnar pressure toobtain hemostasis of the ulnar artery. In another embodiment, radialpressure is gradually reduced to zero before obtaining hemostasis of theulnar artery. In yet another embodiment, the pressures applied to theradial artery and the ulnar artery are simultaneously and independentlymanipulated to optimize the pressure at which the bleeding from theulnar artery stops while at the same time a high enough pressure isapplied to the radial artery to prevent or minimize occlusion of theulnar artery.

An embodiment of the band of the present invention may also be used in amethod directed to obtaining hemostasis of both radial and ulnar arterywhen catheterization procedures are simultaneously performed on bothradial and ulnar arteries.

It will be appreciated that several of the above-disclosed and otherfeatures and functions, or alternatives or varieties thereof, may bedesirably combined into many other different systems or applications.Also that various alternatives, modifications, variations orimprovements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in theart which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

In the description above, for the purposes of explanation, numerousspecific requirements and several specific details have been set forthin order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. It willbe apparent however, to one skilled in the art, that one or more otherembodiments may be practiced without some of these specific details. Theparticular embodiments described are not provided to limit theinvention, but to illustrate it. The scope of the invention is not to bedetermined by the specific examples provided above. In other instances,well-known structures, devices, and operations have been shown in blockdiagram form or without detail in order to avoid obscuring theunderstanding of the description. Where considered appropriate,reference numerals or terminal portions of reference numerals have beenrepeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogouselements, which may optionally have similar characteristics.

It should also be appreciated that reference throughout thisspecification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “one or moreembodiments”, or “different embodiments”, for example, means that aparticular feature may be included in the practice of the invention.Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the description variousfeatures are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure,or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosureand aiding in the understanding of various inventive aspects. Thismethod of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting anintention that the invention requires more features than are expresslyrecited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect,inventive aspects may lie in less than all features of a singledisclosed embodiment. In another situation, an inventive aspect mayinclude a combination of embodiments described herein or in acombination of less than all aspects described in a combination ofembodiments.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A flexible frame comprising: (i) aplurality of rungs; (ii) at least two beams holding said plurality ofrungs; wherein enabling the flexible frame comprises increasing aspacing between the rungs to increase flexibility; and wherein the frameis a compression member in a hemostasis device comprising at least aballoon to compress an artery at a puncture site for obtaininghemostasis.
 2. The frame of claim 1, further comprising curved solidpieces at proximal and distal ends of the frame, with the plurality ofrungs being in a center portion of the frame.
 3. The frame of claim 1,wherein the frame in operation does not maintain a substantially fixedshape and flexes with the balloon as the balloon expands and contractswith pressure.
 4. The frame of claim 1, wherein the rungs areequidistant from each other along a length of the frame and have thespacing between the rungs of about 2 mm.
 5. The frame of claim 1,wherein the rungs are staggered whereby some rungs are close to eachother and some rungs are spread out.
 6. The frame of claim 5, whereinthe spacing between the rungs in a center portion of the frame isgreater than the spacing between the rungs at proximal and distal endsof the frame.
 7. The frame of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of theframe is curved toward an inner peripheral side of the frame.
 8. Theframe of claim 1, wherein the rungs and the beams have shapes selectedfrom a group consisting of circular, square, rectangular and ellipticalshapes.
 9. The frame of claim 1, wherein the rungs are circular and havea diameter of about 2 mm.
 10. The frame of claim 1, wherein the beamsare circular and have a diameter of about 3 mm.
 11. A frame comprising:(i) a plurality of rungs; (ii) at least two beams holding said pluralityof rungs; (iii) curved solid pieces at proximal and distal ends of theframe, with the plurality of rungs being in a center portion of theframe; and wherein the frame is configured for placement in a frameholder of a hemostasis device comprising at least a balloon to compressan artery at a puncture site for obtaining hemostasis.
 12. The frame ofclaim 11, wherein the frame in operation does not maintain asubstantially fixed shape and flexes with the balloon as the balloonexpands and contracts with pressure.
 13. The frame of claim 11, whereinincreasing a spacing between the rungs makes the frame more flexible anddecreasing the spacing makes the frame less flexible.
 14. The frame ofclaim 11, wherein the rungs are equidistant from each other along alength of the frame and a spacing between the rungs is about 2 mm. 15.The frame of claim 11, wherein the rungs are staggered whereby somerungs are close to each other and some rungs are spread out.
 16. Theframe of claim 11, wherein the rungs and the beams have shapes selectedfrom a group consisting of circular, square, rectangular and ellipticalshapes.
 17. The frame of claim 11, wherein the rungs are circular andhave a diameter of about 2 mm.
 18. The frame of claim 11, wherein thebeams are circular and have a diameter of about 3 mm.
 19. The frame ofclaim 11, wherein the curved solid pieces have a thickness of about 2mm.
 20. The frame of claim 11, wherein the proximal end of the frame hasa radius of curvature identical to the radius of curvature at the distalend of the frame.
 21. A curved frame compression member configured forplacement in a frame holder of a flexible band adapted to be wrappedaround a wrist of a patient at a puncture site where bleeding is to bestopped using at least a balloon to compress on the puncture site,comprising: (i) a plurality of rungs; (ii) two beams holding saidplurality of rungs; (iii) curved solid pieces at proximal and distalends of the frame, with the plurality of rungs being in a center portionof the frame; and wherein the frame in operation does not maintain asubstantially fixed shape and flexes with the balloon as the balloonexpands and contracts with pressure.
 22. The frame of claim 21, whereinthe rungs are equidistant from each other along a length of the frame.23. The frame of claim 22, wherein said rungs are circular and have adiameter of about 2 mm.
 24. The frame of claim 23, wherein said rungshave a spacing between them of about 2 mm.
 25. The frame of claim 24,wherein said beams are circular and have a diameter of about 3 mm. 26.The frame of claim 25, wherein the curved solid pieces have a thicknessof about 2 mm.
 27. The frame of claim 26, wherein the proximal end ofthe frame has a radius of curvature identical to the radius of curvatureat the distal end of the frame.
 28. The frame of claim 21, wherein therungs are staggered whereby some rungs are close to each other and somerungs are spread out.
 29. The frame of claim 21, wherein the rungs andthe beams have shapes selected from a group consisting of circular,square, rectangular and elliptical shapes.
 30. The frame of claim 21,wherein increasing a spacing between the rungs makes the frame moreflexible and decreasing the spacing makes the frame less flexible.